The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) conducted an awareness-raising workshop on human rights-based service delivery for governmental and non-governmental service-providing institutions participating in its referral system on June 24 and 25, 2026, in Addis Ababa. The workshop convened representatives from the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, the Federal Supreme Court, the Federal Police, and various civil society organizations and professional associations.
The forum featured presentations and briefings on the mandate, functions, values, core principles and referral functions of the EHRC, as well as on human rights concepts and human rights-based service delivery. Discussions were also held on a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at establishing an efficient victim support system and formalizing referrals and networking with partner institutions. It was noted that the MoU will enable the creation of a system through which victims of human rights violations can access free legal aid, shelter, healthcare, social, and psychosocial services after lodging complaints with the EHRC.
The session also covered a discussion on the operational and data protection guidelines required to complement the referral system, various standard forms, quality control and monitoring indicators for service delivery, and the need for capacity-building training for staff and partner service-providing institutions.
Participants highlighted key challenges encountered during the referral process and expressed their commitment to providing human rights-centered services through the formalized referral system to be implemented in collaboration with the EHRC.
EHRC’s Deputy Chief Commissioner Dr. Mizanie Abate stated that civil society organizations, justice sector actors and institutions, and executive institutions must collaborate to ensure justice for victims and the protection of human rights. Furthermore, he noted that the partnership and referral practices implemented thus far fell short of meeting the needs of beneficiaries. He also emphasized that the formalized referral system initiated by the EHRC is both appropriate and timely and urged service-providing institutions to fulfill their role in delivering human rights-centered services.